Alabama releases freshmen numbers and revisions prior to spring practice in 2025.
As Alabama football kicks off its 2025 spring practice, the program has released the jersey numbers for its incoming freshmen, as well as some revisions to the numbers of current players. These changes provide an insight into how the Crimson Tide’s roster will look going into the 2025 season and reflect the program’s commitment to consistency and tradition while also embracing new faces and talent.
Spring practice is a critical time for Alabama’s players to adjust, sharpen their skills, and compete for positions ahead of the regular season. New faces entering the program are especially under the spotlight, as the coaching staff evaluates their fit within the system and their potential for contributing immediately. This year’s group of freshmen is expected to be integral in the Tide’s quest for another national championship.
In this article, we’ll go over the jersey numbers of the incoming freshmen for the 2025 season, along with some notable number revisions to returning players. These updates are crucial for fans and coaches alike, as they help track the program’s roster and allow for a clearer picture of who will be taking the field in the upcoming season.
Freshmen Numbers for Alabama Football in 2025
One of the most exciting parts of spring practice is seeing how the new recruits are fitting in with the program. The Alabama football program has consistently recruited some of the best talent in the country, and the 2025 recruiting class is no exception. Here’s a breakdown of the freshman players and their jersey numbers for the upcoming season:
1. Jalen Hale (Wide Receiver)
Jersey Number: 11
Jalen Hale enters Alabama as one of the top wide receiver prospects in the country, a big-time recruit out of Longview, Texas. Hale is known for his size (6’1″, 190 lbs), speed, and ability to make plays in the open field. As a freshman, he’s expected to be one of the major contributors to Alabama’s receiving corps in 2025. Wearing No. 11, Hale will have a chance to make an immediate impact, especially with the competition at wide receiver being wide open.
2. Richard Young (Running Back)
Jersey Number: 22
Richard Young is one of the top running backs in the nation and a key addition to Alabama’s offense in 2025. With incredible speed and vision, Young is expected to compete for a starting role immediately, as Alabama looks to replace several key pieces in the backfield. Wearing No. 22, a number historically associated with elite running backs at Alabama, Young will look to carve out his place as one of the future stars in the program.
3. James Smith (Defensive Tackle)
Jersey Number: 54
James Smith is a 5-star defensive tackle out of Montgomery, Alabama, who is one of the most coveted recruits of the 2025 class. Known for his strength and athleticism, Smith is expected to be a dominant force on the defensive line and will have the opportunity to contribute early in his career. Wearing No. 54, Smith steps into a long tradition of Alabama defensive linemen, with the hopes of continuing the program’s tradition of elite defenders.
4. Quinton Thomas (Offensive Tackle)
Jersey Number: 75
Quinton Thomas, an offensive lineman from Georgia, is expected to challenge for a spot in Alabama’s starting lineup in 2025. His size (6’6″, 310 lbs) and skill set make him a valuable addition to the offensive line. Thomas will wear No. 75, a number that signifies both the tradition and importance of Alabama’s offensive line, which has been a crucial component of their success over the years. Expect Thomas to compete for a place in the rotation and potentially as a starter.
5. Julian Sayles (Cornerback)
Jersey Number: 8
Julian Sayles is a cornerback from Florida who joins Alabama’s talented secondary. Known for his technique, speed, and playmaking ability, Sayles enters the program with high expectations. Wearing No. 8, Sayles will look to contribute to a secondary that needs to reload and strengthen its depth. Given the importance of cornerbacks in the modern SEC, Sayles could quickly earn a key role on Alabama’s defense.
6. Antonio Carter II (Wide Receiver)
Jersey Number: 18
Antonio Carter II is another high-profile wide receiver in the 2025 class, and he will look to make an immediate impact for Alabama. A polished route runner with solid hands and great agility, Carter II is expected to provide depth in the receiving corps. Wearing No. 18, Carter II joins a long list of great Alabama wide receivers, and his development during spring practice will be vital in determining his role moving forward.
7. Derrick Stribling (Defensive Back)
Jersey Number: 13
Derrick Stribling, a versatile defensive back from Georgia, is expected to be a key player in Alabama’s defensive backfield. Known for his athleticism and ability to cover multiple positions in the secondary, Stribling will provide depth and potential for future starting roles. Wearing No. 13, Stribling is a player to keep an eye on as he develops his skills in the Alabama system.
8. Earl Little Jr. (Defensive Back)
Jersey Number: 2
Earl Little Jr. is a highly-touted defensive back from Miami who enters Alabama with expectations of competing for a starting role immediately. Known for his ball-hawking ability, football IQ, and elite athleticism, Little Jr. is expected to make an impact in the secondary. Wearing No. 2, a number associated with some of Alabama’s most dynamic defensive backs, Little Jr. could emerge as a key contributor to the defense in 2025.
9. Malik Muhammad (Linebacker)
Jersey Number: 30
Malik Muhammad is an elite linebacker from Texas who joins a loaded linebacker group at Alabama. Known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, physicality, and high football IQ, Muhammad is expected to compete for significant playing time immediately. Wearing No. 30, a number that has seen several outstanding Alabama linebackers wear it in the past, Muhammad will be looking to carry on that tradition with his own performance on the field.
10. Will Norman (Defensive End)
Jersey Number: 99
Will Norman is a dynamic defensive end who is expected to be a big-time player for Alabama’s defense. Standing at 6’5” and 270 pounds, Norman has the physicality and explosiveness to make an immediate impact in the SEC. Wearing No. 99, a number historically associated with elite defensive players, Norman will have a chance to develop into a dominant pass rusher for the Crimson Tide in the upcoming season.
11. David Herring (Offensive Guard)
Jersey Number: 63
David Herring is an offensive lineman who will join Alabama’s line with hopes of earning a spot in the rotation. A physical player with excellent strength and agility, Herring will look to develop under the coaching staff’s tutelage. Wearing No. 63, Herring will work to continue Alabama’s tradition of dominant offensive linemen who pave the way for the team’s high-powered offense.
Revisions to Current Player Numbers
In addition to the new freshman players entering with fresh numbers, Alabama also made some revisions to the jersey numbers of returning players. These changes can sometimes signify the player’s growth within the program, a shift in position, or a simple change of preference. While these revisions are often not as dramatic as the addition of new recruits, they are an important aspect of Alabama’s roster as they head into spring practice.
1. Jalen Milroe (Quarterback)
New Jersey Number: 7
Jalen Milroe, who will be competing for the starting quarterback position in 2025, has switched his number to 7. This change to No. 7 is significant, as it places Milroe in a legacy position for Alabama quarterbacks. The No. 7 jersey has historically been worn by some of the program’s most iconic players, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Milroe’s new number is a sign of the responsibility he will shoulder as he competes for the starting role and potentially leads the offense.
2. Dallas Turner (Linebacker)
New Jersey Number: 15
Dallas Turner, one of Alabama’s top returning defensive players, has changed his number to No. 15. Turner, a pass-rushing linebacker, is a player who has been an integral part of Alabama’s defense and is expected to continue in that role. The change to No. 15 reflects his importance to the defense and the level of respect he has earned among his teammates and coaches.
3. Kool-Aid McKinstry (Cornerback)
New Jersey Number: 1
Kool-Aid McKinstry, one of the top cornerbacks in the SEC, has switched to wearing No. 1. This move signifies McKinstry’s leadership role in the secondary and his status as one of the top players on the team. The No. 1 jersey has long been associated with Alabama’s elite playmakers, and McKinstry is looking to continue that tradition as a top defensive player.
